Shillong, Sept 9: Registration without harassment, safety with dignity. That is the new mantra as Meghalaya on Wednesday formally launched the amended MIRSS Rules 2020.
Labour Minister Methodius Dkhar launched the amended Meghalaya Identification, Registration, Safety and Security of Migrant Workers Rules at Tara Ghar State Guest House along with a new SOP and an e-payment gateway for fines.
Speaking at the state-level orientation organised by Labour, Employment and Skill Development Department, Dkhar said the amended framework will work on four mantras – awareness, facilitation, inspection and enforcement. He said Labour Department will be the nodal agency, but Deputy Commissioners, police and district machinery must work as one team.
The Minister was firm on police accountability. Complaints of harassment, intimidation, discrimination or assault on migrant workers have to be registered immediately and investigated as per law. He also stressed coordination with source states for quick verification and emergency assistance.
Calling migrant workers, the backbone of construction, infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality and manufacturing, Dkhar said registration is for safety not for squeezing workers. Information collected will be used only for legitimate purposes and with full respect to privacy.
He reminded employers, contractors and industries that benefits and protections for migrant workers are not optional.
The launch was attended by Principal Secretary Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Commissioner and Secretary Dr B D R Tiwari, Secretary L S N Garod Dykes, Labour Commissioner Banteilang J Kharshandi and senior officials and stakeholders.
